Ryanair reaches CFM deal to support 2,000 Boeing 737 engines

Ryanair has signed a multi-year agreement with CFM to source engine spare parts directly from the manufacturer, covering a fleet that is expected to reach nearly 2,000 Boeing 737 engines later this decade.

The memorandum of understanding covers support for CFM56-7B and LEAP-1B engines, which power Ryanair’s Boeing 737 Next Generation and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. CFM is a joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and GE Aerospace.

Ryanair said the agreement underpins its plan to bring engine maintenance in house from 2029, when it expects to open two engine maintenance, repair and overhaul shops in Europe. The facilities are intended to support a growing Boeing 737 fleet as the airline expands toward 800 aircraft.

The airline currently operates 618 Boeing 737 aircraft across different generations, making it one of the world’s largest single-type fleets. Ryanair said direct sourcing of spare parts from CFM aligns with its low-cost model, where control of maintenance and material costs plays a central role.

Under the agreement, Ryanair commits to purchasing all engine spare parts directly from CFM rather than through third-party suppliers. The airline expects annual spending on spare parts to exceed $1 billion over the term of the contract.

CFM has supported Ryanair’s engines for around 30 years through power-by-the-hour maintenance arrangements.

“We are pleased to extend our long-term partnership with CFM with this multi-year, multi-billion-dollar spares support agreement. For the last 30 years, CFM has been maintaining all of Ryanair’s CFM56 engines under a long term “power by the hour” contract. However, from 2029 onwards, Ryanair expects to bring the maintenance of its engines “in-house”, and we are pleased to do so with the help and support of our partners CFM,” said Michael O’Leary, CEO of Ryanair.

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